Cape Girardeau honors TV weather team and details storm recovery, cleanup and assistance

Mayor Stacy Kinder presented a proclamation April 7 recognizing the KFVS 12 news and weather team for their coverage of severe storms that impacted the Cape Girardeau region on April 2 and April 4.

The proclamation singled out chief meteorologist Grant Dade and the station’s staff for “unwavering professionalism, exceptional dedication, and accuracy in providing real time updates, critical warnings, and life saving information throughout the duration of the storms,” and said the station’s coverage “directly contributed to public safety.”

The recognition came as city leaders briefed attendees on storm damage and recovery. City Manager Dr. Haskin reported widespread roof and facade damage downtown, significant tree and roof damage in South Cape, and two houses condemned after inspections. The Cape Regional Airport recorded more than a foot of rain over the multi‑day event and briefly closed Saturday when runways flooded; airport manager Jojo Stewart and staff worked overnight to reopen operations.

Public works and wastewater staff handled exceptionally high flows. Mayor Kinder and staff said the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which treats roughly 5,000,000 gallons per day under normal conditions, treated about 91,000,000 gallons during the period after the storms. A 24‑inch forced sewer main break near the river dock occurred on Sunday; city crews mitigated leakage but full repairs will wait until flows subside.

The city announced several recovery resources for residents: free curbside pickup of storm‑damaged tree limbs requests accepted through April 14 (call Public Works at (573) 339‑6351 or report at www.cityofcape.org/report), a transfer station open for large trash, and special Wednesday pickups by scheduling with Public Works. The mayor named public information officer Nicolette Brennan volunteer coordinator for recovery efforts and provided the city manager’s office number, (573) 339‑6320, as a contact for volunteers and groups.

Several council members and residents praised volunteers and local organizations for early cleanup and board‑up efforts; Mayor Kinder commended Old Town Cape volunteer organizer Liz Haynes and local students who helped clean Southside Farms. The mayor and other members credited first responders and City departments — police, fire, public works, inspections and engineering — for rapid response and inspection work.

Grant Dade, chief meteorologist at KFVS 12, accepted the proclamation and described the team’s approach on air and on social media during the storms: “I was just doing my job… and, you know, when storms are on the radar, we're gonna be there.” Dade and station staff said they would continue coverage in future events.

Mayor Kinder closed the update by urging residents to use the city’s cleanup resources and to coordinate volunteer assistance through the public information office as recovery continues.